Cybercriminals allegedly posing as police officers threatened a Ratlam businessman with legal action over supposed links to Pakistan’s ISI before persuading him to transfer ₹55 lakh.
A businessman in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly cheated of ₹55 lakh by cybercriminals posing as police officers in a so-called digital arrest scam, police said on October 12. The fraudsters reportedly claimed his mobile number had been used to contact an agent linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and threatened him with legal action.
According to police, the incident began on September 15 when a man claiming to be a police officer from Mumbai’s Colaba area contacted the businessman. Other members of the alleged gang subsequently called him from different numbers and threatened to register a first information report (FIR) against him.
The accused allegedly appeared in police uniforms during WhatsApp video calls to make their claims seem genuine. They also sent documents purportedly issued by the Supreme Court to strengthen the deception.
Under the pretext of verifying the businessman’s funds, the fraudsters allegedly persuaded him to transfer approximately ₹55 lakh through the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system to multiple bank accounts.
The businessman operates a motor parts business in Kuwait and was staying in Ratlam when the alleged fraud took place, police said.
Police have apprehended three accused in connection with the case: Kodari Venkatesh and Mir Yusuf from Telangana, and Ashok Annyaya from Karnataka.
Ratlam Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar said transactions involving approximately ₹20 lakh of the defrauded amount had been blocked in the recipient bank accounts. Further investigation is underway.
The case highlights how cybercriminals allegedly use impersonation, threats of arrest and fabricated legal documents to pressure victims into transferring money. Authorities continue to investigate the alleged network and the movement of the funds.
